5 Insider Tips For A Fabulous Folsom Live

Folsom Live is happening September 23, and it just may be the best one yet.

They've got a great lineup of everything from blues, to country and even disco. There will be food trucks, cocktails, craft beers and more. To get the most out of Live!, you may need a little advice.

I've volunteered for, attended, and/or helped with the planning of nearly every Live! since it's inception. From my experience and observations, I give you my top tips for a fabulous Folsom Live!

Buy tickets in advance! Not only will you save yourself the time and hassle of waiting in line, but you're guaranteed entry. You don't want to arrive at the gate only to find it is sold out. It's cheaper, too. Want a Folsom Live discount? Take $50 off by entering myfolsom17 in the promo code box when buying your tickets online at www.folsomlive.com

Don't drive! - The Folsom Historic district has limited parking as it is, and with thousands of people expected, there just isn't room for cars. The parking garage will be closed, and many of the neighbors in the residential section park their own cars or put up 'no parking' signs in front of their homes, and really resent the people who leave their trash behind at the end of the night. Here are some great alternatives:

Get a ride - Lyft, Uber or your neighbor can drop you off right outside the entrance for a nominal fee. You will arrive and depart in relative luxury.

Drive to Palladio or the Glenn Drive light rail station and take the free shuttle in. It's fast, free, and you might meet some nice people.

Take light rail. It's free with a valid Folsom live ticket

Get the lay of the land. See the map. Note that the entrance is right next to the light rail station and the parking garage. Your ticket will not be honored at any other entry point. Note where the bars, food trucks, toilets and stages are located.

Bring Cash! - Although the bars only take tokens, and there will be ATMs, you will save yourself time by having cash ready to buy your tokens and your food. Speaking of tokens, if you have some left over from prior years, bring 'em! They are still good.

Don't get in the first bar or token line you see. Every year, people enter the festival and get right in line for drink tokens, then line up at the nearest bar, often complaining about the wait. With most people arriving between 5 and 6pm, yes, there will be long lines up front. If you walk a little further up to Wool St, you'll find tokens and drinks available with little to no wait. Also look for roving token sellers.

Pace yourself - The festival is 5 hours long. Drink plenty of water. Eat something. Drink alcohol responsibly. You want to remember the good time you had.

Lastly, don't forget to bring a positive attitude and have fun. It's a party!

For more information and tickets, www.folsomlive.com - don't forget to enter myfolsom17 in the promo code box when buying tickets